Wearable band for storing and protecting items

ABSTRACT

A size-adjustable wearable device stores and protects items, such as rings, for example. The wearable device can be designed to securely hold items, including valuables, such as rings, in a manner that allows for peace of mind and convenience while the wearer goes about a variety of different activities. The wearer can expose a storage chamber in the device by opening a cover on the underside of a band. The ring, jewelry, or other valuable can be deposited inside the storage chamber, and the cover can be placed securely over the top of the storage chamber. The wearer can then strap the band on their person. The band can be worn with the cover disposed securely and tightly against the person, thus providing an additional level of security. In some embodiments, the storage chamber can include arms to further help secure an item, such as a ring, there within.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/693,854, filed Jul. 3, 2018, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention relates generally to wearable storage solutions. More particularly, the invention relates to a wearable band, typically a bracelet, designed to store and protect items, such as rings.

2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

Currently, there are limited options when securing jewelry and other valuables while working out, doing daily task, or traveling. These solutions provide limited security, peace of mind and usability.

Some conventional options include providing zipper pouches so a user can store their rings while wearing a band, typically provided by the company that sells the rings. These are loosely secured and not always on the wearer. Another conventional solution provides wristbands made out of fabric with zipper pouches. These are not adjustable to suit different body types, the fabric can be damaged easily, the zipper feature is not overly secure, and the material must be cleaned after strenuous activity. Other research showed people left valuables in gym bags, lockers, cars, jewelry bags or travel bags. All are lacking when it comes to security, flexibility, and comfort for the wearer and their valuables.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a device to securely hold valuables in a manner that allows for peace of mind and convenience while the wearer goes about a variety of different activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a wearable storage device, comprising a band configured to form a loop, the loop having an interior surface and an exterior surface; at least one storage region formed along a portion of the band; and a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover disposed along the interior surface of the band in the closed position, wherein moving the cover to the open position provides access to the at least one storage region.

Embodiments of the present invention further provide a size-adjustable wearable storage device, comprising a first band end; a central member attached to the first band end; a second band end attached to the central member, where the second band end extends in a direction opposite the first band end, wherein opposing ends of the first band end and the second band end attach together to form a loop, the loop defining an inner surface and an outer surface; a storage region formed in the central member; and a cover removably disposed over an open top of the storage region, the cover formed on the inner surface of the loop.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a size-adjustable, flexible wearable storage device, comprising a first band end; a central member attached to the first band end; a second band end attached to the central member, where the second band end extends in a direction opposite the first band end, wherein opposing ends of the first band end and the second band end attach together to form a loop, the loop defining an inner surface and an outer surface; a storage region formed in the central member, the storage region having an open top to provide access thereto, the open top disposed along the inner surface of the loop; and a cover hingedly connected to the central region and removably disposed over the open top of the storage region.

In some embodiments, the wearable storage device further comprises at least two wings extending an at angle from a central region of a base of the storage region.

In some embodiments, the wearable storage device further comprises a lip on the cover frictionally fitting into over the storage region, the lip preventing inadvertent separation of the cover from a top portion of the storage region.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references may indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a secure storage band according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the secure storage band of FIG. 1, with a cover in an open configuration;

FIG. 3 illustrates another bottom perspective view of the secure storage band of FIG. 1, with the cover in the open configuration;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a secure storage band using an alternative band connection mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description wherein illustrated embodiments are described. It is to be expressly understood that the illustrated embodiments are set forth as examples and not by way of limitations on the invention as ultimately defined in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF INVENTION

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

As is well known to those skilled in the art, many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal configuration of a commercial implementation of any device, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may be configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide a size-adjustable wearable device for storing and protecting items, such as rings, for example. The wearable device can be designed to securely hold items, including valuables, such as rings, in a manner that allows for peace of mind and convenience while the wearer goes about a variety of different activities. The wearer can expose a storage chamber in the device by opening a cover on the underside of a band. The ring, jewelry, or other valuable can be deposited inside the storage chamber, and the cover can be placed securely over the top of the storage chamber. The wearer can then strap the band on their person. The band can be worn with the cover disposed securely and tightly against the person, thus providing an additional level of security. In some embodiments, the storage chamber can include arms to further help secure an item, such as a ring, there within.

Referring to FIG. 1, a wearable device 10, also referred to as device 10, can include a central member 18 attached between to a first band member 12 and a second band member 14. The first band member 12 may include a plurality of connection apertures 16 permitting a latch at the second band member 14 to connect thereto, thus permitting the device 10 to be formed in an adjustable size loop.

Typically, the first band member 12, the second band member 14 and the central member 18 are formed as a single integrated member. However, in some embodiments, the central member 18 may be removably attached to the first and second band members 12, 14. If such removable attachment is provided, it should be understood that any connection between the central member 18 and the first and second band members 12, 14 should be secure to avoid inadvertent disconnection. One embodiment of such a connection may be similar to the pin connectors used to connect a watch to a watch band, for example.

The device 10 can be made of malleable, rubber/silicon/hard plastic material for example, or combinations thereof. Of course, other materials having similar properties may be used depending on user preference, application or the like. The final size can be approximate 8″ long, although other sizing is possible different wearers. A loop can be disposed on the end of the band that can be used to secure and guide the strap/fastener.

While FIG. 1 illustrates one particular attachment mechanism for adjustably connecting the first band member 12 to the second band member 14 to form a loop, it should be understood that other connection mechanisms may be used as may be known in the art. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a first band member 12A can include a connector that attaches to a mating connector 16A on a second band member 14A, with a central member 18A therebetween, thereby providing a bar-in-slot type of connection mechanism.

Other connection mechanisms may be used as well, including a hook and loop fastening mechanism, buttons, snaps, turnbuckles or the like. Typically, the attachment between the ends of the bands should be adjustable to permit the device to be disposed on a wearer's person (typically about the wearer's wrist, but could be disposed about a wearer's ankle, for example) in a snug manner that prevents a cover from opening while being worn, as discussed in greater detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, a bottom view of the device 10 is shown with a cover 20 open to expose a storage chamber 22 formed in the central member 18. The cover 20 may be formed from a rigid material or a flexible material. In some embodiments, the cover 20 is formed from the same material of central member 18.

A hinge connection region 24 may provide a hinged connection between the cover 20 and the central member 18. This hinged connection can take various forms. For example, a flexible extension of the cover 20 may fit into a hollowed out region of the central member, where the hinge motion occurs along this flexible extension. In some embodiments, a living hinge may be formed between the central member 18 and the cover 20, where the living hinge is formed integrally with both the cover 20 and the central member 18, thus providing a one-piece design where the cover 20 cannot be completely removed or separated from the central member 18. In some embodiments, the cover 20 may be attached to the central member 18 in other manners, provided that the cover 20 can be moved between an open position, providing access to the storage chamber 22, and a closed position, covering the storage chamber 22 and positioned against the user when the device is worn by the wearer. For example, the cover 20 may connect with a pin about which the cover may rotate.

The cover 20 may include a lip 40 disposed about an outer periphery of an inner surface thereof. In other words, the lip 40 may extend from a plane defined by the cover upward and inward toward the storage chamber 22. The storage chamber 22 can include a chamfered outer periphery 42 to receive the lip 40, thus providing a secure friction fit between the cover 20 and the central member 18. In some embodiments, when closed, the cover 20 may be flush with the remainder of the central member 18. Other connection mechanisms may be used to secure the cover 20 onto the central member 18.

The cover 20 may include a gripping member (not shown) that provides the wearer with a mechanism to grip the cover 20 to assist in opening the cover 20 from the central member 18. The gripping member may be formed, for example, as a recessed ring formed in the surface of the cover 20.

The storage chamber 22 may be formed in the central member 18 in various shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the storage chamber 22 may be designed to hold one or more rings there within. In some embodiments, one or more wings 26 may extend from a base of the storage chamber 22. For example, as shown in the figures, two wings 26 can extend in generally opposite directions at an angle from a central region of the base of the storage chamber 22. The wings 26 may help secure a ring thereunder. In some embodiments, the wings 26 may be formed from a resilient material that may be bent to dispose the item (such as the ring) thereunder. Thus, in this embodiment, a ring may be triple-secured in the device 10—first, by the cover being pressed against the user when the device is being worn, preventing opening of the cover, second, by the cover being frictionally fit over the storage chamber, and third, by the wings preventing the ring from falling out, even with the cover open. Of course, the size and shape of the storage chamber and the configuration of the wings may be altered to store different items therein. In some embodiments, the wings can be excluded to provide an unobstructed storage chamber in the central member.

The device 10 is shown in the Figures as having first and second band members 12, 14 attached to the central member 18 that has the storage chamber 22 therein. It should be understood that this design may include other features that are known in the art. For example, the bands may be designed to secure a fitness tracker, a watch, a smart watch, a Bluetooth device, or the like. In some embodiments, one or more of these, or other, items may be formed integrally with the device 10. In other embodiments, one or more of these, or other, items may be configured to be removably attached to the device.

While the term “central region” is used to define the region that includes the storage chamber, this region does not have to be centrally located along the band. For example, the central region may be disposed closer to one end of the band. Further, while only one central region (and thus, one storage chamber) is shown, the band may include multiple central regions (and thus, multiple storage chambers) formed along the band.

The solution described herein can utilize a multi-step securing process, where the underside cap is secure as a standalone implement, however there is an extra layer of security due to the fact that it is pressed against the wearer. The internal securing mechanism, such as the wings, as well as the hinge on the cap, add additional fail-safes to embodiments of the present invention. This eliminates wearer's concerns of cover failure and thus the loss of the valuable.

Moreover, because of the fact that the device is designed to be kept on the wearer's person, the possibility of having the device lost or stolen while being used (worn) is minimal. This creates the physical security mentioned above, as well as the intrinsic comfort that the valuable being stored is close to the owner while also providing a comfortable fit for the wearer.

As discussed above, the device may be structured in a variety or strap and band arrangements. The materials used may be altered to allow flexibility or other design iterations. The securing mechanism on the underside of the band may be located in a different area, for example, on the top or on the side or the device. The manner in which this mechanism is secured may be changed, such as through the use of a clasp, clamp, clip, flap, slot, hinge or the like. The general shape of the band may change from its current form as shown in the Figures to allow for more space in the storage area, including more/less boxy, rounded, or angular forms. The clasping feature may use different mechanisms or be eliminated all together to form a singular band that may elastically expand to be worn. Other features, such as fitness or security trackers, measuring technologies and implements, or the like may be added on the band or central region.

All the features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims.

Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of examples and that they should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different ones of the disclosed elements.

The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification the generic structure, material or acts of which they represent a single species.

The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to not only include the combination of elements which are literally set forth. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a sub combination.

Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.

The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what incorporates the essential idea of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable storage device, comprising: a band configured to form a loop, the loop having an interior surface and an exterior surface; at least one storage region formed along a portion of the band; and a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover disposed along the interior surface of the band in the closed position, wherein moving the cover to the open position provides access to the at least one storage region.
 2. The wearable storage device of claim 1, wherein a size of the loop is adjustable.
 3. The wearable storage device of claim 2, wherein the band includes a band first end adjustably connectable to a band second end to adjust the size of the loop.
 4. The wearable storage device of claim 1, further comprising one or more wings extending from a base of the at least one storage region.
 5. The wearable storage device of claim 1, further comprising at least two wings extending an at angle from a central region of a base of the at least one storage region.
 6. The wearable storage device of claim 1, further comprising a lip on the cover frictionally fitting into over the storage region, the lip preventing inadvertent separation of the cover from a top portion of the storage region.
 7. The wearable storage device of claim 1, wherein the at least one storage region and the band are formed as a single integrated unit.
 8. The wearable storage device of claim 1, further comprising a hinged connection for hindgedly joining the cover to the band.
 9. A size-adjustable wearable storage device, comprising: a first band end; a central member attached to the first band end; a second band end attached to the central member, where the second band end extends in a direction opposite the first band end, wherein opposing ends of the first band end and the second band end attach together to form a loop, the loop defining an inner surface and an outer surface; a storage region formed in the central member; and a cover movable between an open position and a closed position, the cover disposed over an open top of the storage region on the inner surface of the loop when in the closed position.
 10. The size-adjustable wearable storage device of claim 9, further comprising one or more wings extending from a base of the storage region.
 11. The size-adjustable wearable storage device of claim 9, further comprising at least two wings extending an at angle from a central region of a base of the storage region.
 12. The size-adjustable wearable storage device of claim 9, further comprising a lip on the cover frictionally fitting into over the storage region, the lip preventing inadvertent separation of the cover from a top portion of the storage region.
 13. The size-adjustable wearable storage device of claim 9, wherein the at least one storage region and the band are formed as a single integrated unit.
 14. The size-adjustable wearable storage device of claim 9, further comprising a hinged connection for hindgedly joining the cover to the band.
 15. A size-adjustable, flexible wearable storage device, comprising: a first band end; a central member attached to the first band end; a second band end attached to the central member, where the second band end extends in a direction opposite the first band end, wherein opposing ends of the first band end and the second band end attach together to form a loop, the loop defining an inner surface and an outer surface; a storage region formed in the central member, the storage region having an open top to provide access thereto, the open top disposed along the inner surface of the loop; and a cover hingedly connected to the central region and removably disposed over the open top of the storage region.
 16. The size-adjustable, flexible wearable storage device of claim 15, further comprising at least two wings extending an at angle from a central region of a base of the storage region.
 17. The size-adjustable, flexible wearable storage device of claim 15, further comprising a lip on the cover frictionally fitting into over the storage region, the lip preventing inadvertent separation of the cover from a top portion of the storage region. 